Oamaru school investigation continues

ONGOING: An independent adviser has been appointed to conduct an investigation into issues surrounding Waitaki Boys' High School.

Relevant offers

An independent adviser will this week interview several people in regards to complaints received about Waitaki Boys' High School.

The school's board of trustees recently met and agreed to appoint consultant Cleave Hay to prepare a report on issues at the school.

Hay's report is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

WBHS board of trustees chairman Garry McLeod says Hay's visit comes as a result of concerns being raised about the school after it received several complaints, with others being received by the Ministry of Education.

Hay has worked closely with the New Zealand School Trustees' Association in the past and has been assisting trustees at WBHS in handling complaints about management and administration issues.

There have also been allegations of bullying.

However, Hay will not be involved with the employment process around an alleged incident of a serious nature that involved a senior teacher.

"The purpose is that I independently investigate the alleged issues at WBHS for parents, whanau, staff, ex-staff and then present a report to the board of trustees outlining the over-arching issues," Hay said.

He will then make recommendations to the board.

No names will be recorded or reported unless specifically asked during Hay's investigation and no-one quoted.

Hay met people yesterday and was set to meet others today and on Thursday to discuss their concerns. He is outlining issues to be investigated, how he's going about it, confidentiality and allowing people to determine whether or not to proceed.

Hay will then have discussions with the school board on what action should be taken.